Since I was doing my graduation, I was preparing for this. It was 27th April of year 2007 when I was in Nagpur to face my first interview for job. It was for The Hitavada. Mr. Vijay Phanshikar, Editor of The Hitavada held my interview. I was so keen to join the job, that when he asked me whether I am ready to join from 1st may, just 3 days after my interview, I said “Yes Sir, I can!”
But the destiny’s arrangement was poles apart. It took two and a half month for me to get appointment letter. Meanwhile, I got my BA final result which was fairly promising. I resolute to utilize these days for my own mental and personality built up. My blogs started between these days, my study regarding literature for post graduation began and I was waiting badly for the result from The Hitavada. One week after my result when I was quiet optimistic about the appointment letter, dad told me to get admission in college for further studies as mere wait was slavish act. The study of Law became my next goal and I reached Law College for admission. It wasn’t that difficult to get admission in Law College as my percentage was enough for spot admission. So, the authorities asked me to fill up the form and fees for the first semester. I submitted the form on 29th June but can’t pay the money as the clerk was not present. It went on 1st July and non stop raining forbidden me to get out of the house on that day. So it went on 3rd of July. This time it was fixed. It was Ganesh Chaturthi; the pious day. I was fully prepared. The money was with me; but I was not willing to pay it in the college. One ray of hope was present about the journalism job. I passed a long time. And finally when it was 11.30, I was tying my shoe-lace, the cell phone rang.
“Hello…”
“Is this Chaitanya Deshpande?”
“Yes!”
“I’m Alok Tiwari from Hitavada press. Your appointment letter is ready. You can come and get it today.”
“I am in Yavatmal now…” I don’t know how I was feeling, but still I said.
“No problem, you can come tomorrow. After ten thirty and receive the letter. “
“I’ll come tomorrow …” I think I was about to ask something when the call ended from either side. With my half-tied shoe-less I just relaxed on the chair. The call was echoing in my ears. This is the thing for which I was waiting since two and half months! Finally, it was all set to leave home. Everyone was happy for me. I remembered quotes from many of my relatives, friends and teachers,
“There is nothing in this small town. We have careers in metros!”
“Once you leave home, you will prosper like anything!”
“You have career in creativity; you can’t get the job of your kind here! Just leave home.”
And finally,
“I’m Alok Tiwari from Hitavada press. Your appointment letter is ready. You can come and catch it today.”
….
On 4th July, I was in Hitavada office with one friend. I got the official appointment letter. Some clerk told me to meet Alok Tiwari sir for further proceedings. Then I realize who the man was…
He was the second head of editorial department; Executive Editor of the Hitavada, Mr. Alok Tiwari.
…
